Adjustable chair



Oct. 18, 1938. Q QPPERMAN 2,133,471

ADJUSTABLE CHAIR Filed June 50, 1936 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN ws/v roR Orro FRED OPPERMAN A 7'7'ORNEY Oct. 18, 1938. O QPPERMAN 2,133,471

ADJUSTABLE CHAIR Filed June 30, 1936 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 [IV-VEN TOR Orro FREQ OPPERMAN ATTORNEK Oct. 18, 1938. Q OPPERMAN 2,133,471

ADJUSTABLE CHAI R File d June so, 1956 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 22 i so 66 .[N VE/VTOR 07-7-0 FRED OPPERMA/V A TTORNEK Oct. 18, 1938. o, F. OPPERMAN ADJUSTABLE CHAIR Filed June 30. 1936 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 M M E m m0 4. mm m T y B A 7'7'ORNEY.

Patented Oct. 18, 1938 PATENT OFFICE ADJUSTABLE CHAIR Otto Fred Opperman, Santa Monica, GaliL, as-

slgnor to Douglas Aircraft Company, Ina, Santa Monica, Call! a corporation of Dela- Application June 30, 1988, Serial No. 88,131

9Claims.

My invention consists of a unique and improved chalr construction which is particularly designed for use in transport airplanes. It may, however, be used wherever a chair of the character of my invention is desired. My invention in its preferred embodiment includes many important features and advantages which are provided by the unique combination as a whole, unique subcombinations, and unique elements, some of which are capable of independent use. I believe my invention to be patentably new not only in its entirety, but also in its several subcombinations and elements.

In order to illustrate my invention, I will hereafter describe in detail a preferred form of my invention which has been particularly designed for use in transport airplanes.

It is an object of my invention to provide a chair in which the seat or seat structure, and back or back structure, are adjustable into various positions to suit the personal comforts or requirements of the occupant.

This is particularly desirable where the chair is used in airplanes or trains where passengers must remain seated for long periods and therefore desire the most comfortable sitting position.

A furtherobiect of my invention is to provide a chair in which the adjustments referred to may be easily and conveniently made by the occupant himself and while he is seated in the chair.

This will enable the occupant to initially ad just the chair to suit his fancy, and at any time thereafter to readjust the chair when he becomes tired of his sitting position. This feature is particularly attractive to train travelers, since the usual Pullman seat is either nonadjustable or must be adjusted by the porter.

Another object of my invention is to provide a chair in which the seat structure and back structure are both independently adjustable between extreme positions.

The seat and back structures of my invention are thus provided with a wide range of positions and will satisfy the requirements of any height or weight of occupant.

A further object of my invention is to provide an adjustable chair in which the seat and back are spring actuated, and when the control means is suitably actuated they conform to the sitting posture of the occupant.

Another object of my invention is to provide an adjustable chair having an adjustable seat structure and an adjustable back structure in which one of the structures is operable to determine the position of the other structure, and is also independently adjustable.

I iind that such an arrangement enables the occupant of the chair to conveniently and comfortably adjust the chair in a manner which is more or less natural. since it employs the instinctive weight shifting or weight balancin tendencies which the occupant would naturally follow in adjusting the chair. As illustrative of this, in the preferred form of my invention an occupant seated in the chair may, upon proper operation of certain control or release means. raise the seat structure by shifting his weight backwardly against the back structure which is naturally done by placing the feet on the floor and by pressure thus applied tilting backwardly. This reduces the weight applied to the seat structure and increases the force applied to the back structure; and when this occurs the back structure is moved backward and automatically raises the seat. Having adjusted the seat structure, the back structure may then be adjusted relative to the seat structure as desired by the occupant. The seat structure may be lowered by a reverse of the procedure outlined above.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a chair having the many features and advantages which incorporate in the preferred embodiment of my invention, in which the chair is relatively light in weight, and which is of simpie, sturdy, and dependable design.

The benefits of this object are especially vaiuable in airplane use of the invention since weight, simplicity, sturdiness, and dependability are determining factors, and in my invention I have uniquely combined many new features and advantages without sacrificing these determining factors.

An additional object of my invention is to provide manually operable control means conveniently positioned for actuation by the occupant of the chair, which control means is simple and almost effortless to operate.

In the preferred form of my invention the control means is located at the forward part of one oi the arm rests where the occupant may operate the same with his hand while the arm rests on the arm rest.

In the developing and designing of my invention various unique structural details have been created which are of importance. These, as well as other objects and advantages of my invention not specifically stated in the preceding paragraphs, will be embodied in the following detailed description where the particular which they inhere is described.

Referring to the accompanying drawings:

Fig. l is a side elevational view, partly in section, of a chair incorporating the features of my invention.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of Fig. 1, the cushions and certain other parts being broken away to show structural details.

Fig. 3 is a front elevational view of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the control means of myinvention.

Fig. 5 is a section taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 1, and showing the control means in section.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken on the line 66 of Pig. 1.

Fig. '1 is a sectional view taken on the line ll of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line H of Fig. 3.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line l! of Fig. 3.

Figs. 10, 11, and 12 are schematic views illustrating different positions of the seat structure and back structure of the chair of my invention.

I will now refer to the drawings in detail and describe the details of construction and operation of the preferred form of my invention which I have chosen for the purpose of illustrating my invention.

As shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, the chair construction includes a suitable supporting structure having a base 20 which rests on the floor or other surface. Extending upwardly from opposite sides of the base 23 are hollow side walls 2| which at their upper edges support suitable arm rests 22. Extending horizontally across the rearward part of the side walls 2| is a pivot support or pivot shaft 23 which serves as a pivot supporting means for the seat structure and back structure of my invention.

The chair of my invention includes a seat structure 25 and a back structure 26. The seat structure 25 includes a frame 21 and a suitable seat 28 which is shown by dotted lines in Fig. 1 and is in many of the other views completely eliminated in order that important structural details will not be concealed. The frame 21 is preferably made from tubular parts and is substantially rectangular in plan, and has rear upwardly curved arms IIa which, as shown clearly in Fig. 8, include bearings 29 which surround the pivot shaft 23. The seat structure 25 is therefore adjustably mounted on the supporting structure and may be swung around the pivot shaft 23 so that the seat or seat structure may be raised or lowered.

The back or back structure 26 includes a frame 3i which supports a cushion 32, this cushion 32 being shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1, being broken away in Hg. 2, and being eliminated from many other views to clearly show structural details. The frame ll is preferably made from tubular material and is substantially an inverted U in shape. The frame II has depending arms 33 which support bearings 84 which, as shown in Figs. 1 and 8, surround the pivot shaft 23. The back or back structure 28 may be moved forward, advanced, or moved backward or retracted on the Pivot shaft II.

Mounted in one of the side walls 2 i is the construction whereby the seat and back of my invention may be moved into various positions, or, in other words, the construction which enables the seat and back to be adjusted either together or independently into desired positions. Referring structure in particularly to Figs. 1 and 4 to 7 inclusive, the left side wall 2i includes a pair of vertically spaced wall members 31 and 38, thus deflninh a chamber 39 in which the mechanism now to be described is situated. The control means includes a frame consisting of parts III and II, the part III being secured by suitable securing means 42 to the wall members 31. Both of these parts are of substantially the same elevational shape as shown in Fig. 1, having upwardly inclining arms 43, horizontally extending arms 44, and peripheral connecting portions 45. The parts I and Ii have hubs 4B which are secured against the ends of a central sleeve or shaft 41 by means of a bolt 48. In this manner the hub portions of the parts 40 and ll are connected together. The upper ends of the arms 43 are secured together by a bolt 50 which clamps the same against a spacing sleeve 5|. The outer ends of the arms II are secured together by a bolt 53 which clamps the same against a spacer member 54 and also acts as a part of a. bearing, as will be described later. The arm 44 of the part II is offset, as indicated at 55, while the arm ll of the part 40 is straight.

Mounted on the ends of the sleeve 41 are bearings 51, the right one of which supports a rotatable member or wheel 58 having a hub 59 which surrounds the sleeve II. The hub 59 has connected to it a rotatable member or sprocket 60 which has a cylindrical portion Iii secured to the hub 59 by keys 62. This rotatable member or sprocket 60 surrounds the left bearing 51 as shown so that the parts 58 to 62 are rotatably supported concentric to the bearing sleeve 41.

For the purpose of locking the rotatable member 58 from rotation, but at will allowing the same to rotate, I provide a locking means which includes a brake drum 84 formed on the periphery of the rotatable member 58. Adapted to engage this drum 64 is a brake bandit. One end of the brake band 65 is connected by a connecting pin 66 to a releasing lever 61' mounted within the chamber 39 but having an engagement projection 68 extending to the'exterior thereof immediately forward of the adjacent arm rest 22. The opposite end of the brake band 65 is connected to a rod III which extends through an opening in a block II which is pivoted at 12 to the releasing lever 61. A nut II is threaded on the extending end of the rod Ill so that the brake band may be adjusted relative to the brake drum 84. It will be noted that the releasing lever 61 is pivotally mounted on the sleeve 5i and that the connections of the ends of the brake band 65 are on opposite sides of the pivot. When the releasing lever is moved in an anti-clockwise direction by depressing the engagement projection 88, it will be seen that the band 65 is released from the drum i4 and the drum is free to rotate. A spring I6 is connected to the right end of the releasing lever 61 which tends to rotate it in a clockwise direction or, in other words, in such a direction as to apply the brake 65. The parts just described and including parts numbers 58 to 18 inclusive constitute a holding means of my invention which is employed for holding an adjusting means of my invention to be described later. The control means also includes a spool or sheave II which is preferably formed integral with the rotatable member 5!. Connected to this spool TI and wrapped around it in a clockwise direction is a cable 18 which, as shown in Fig. 1, has the extending end connected to a tension spring 19, which tension spring is preferably secured to the base 20 such as shown at ID. The purpose of the parts lust and which may constitute a counter-balancing or loading means, is to produce a force tending to rotate the rotatable member 58 in a clockwise direction.

My invention also provides a back control means or operating means which includes a rotatable member 85 having a hub 88 which is journalled on the cylindrical portion i which cooperates with the hub 58 and forms a part of the rotatable member 58. Near the periphery of the rotatable member 85 is a bodily movable member in the form of a sprocket 8i, and which constitutes a means for shortening the effective length of the adjustment member to be described. This sprocket 81 is in alignment with the sprocket 50 as shown and is rotatably mounted on a bearing 88 which is secured to the rotatable member 85 by a bolt 88. The rotatable member 85 is rotatable relative to the rotatable member 58. It is, however, provided with a locking means which ordinarily locks the same from rotation but which is manually operable to permit the rotatable member 85 to rotate. At the peripheral portion of the rotatable member 85 is a brake drum 84 adapted to be engaged by a brake band 85, one end of which is connected at 85 to a releasing lever 81 which has an engagement projection 88 which extends to the exterior of the chamber 88 for manual operation. The other end of the brake band 85 is connected to a rod I88 which extends through a block III which is pivoted at I82 to the releasing lever 81. Threaded on the end of the rod "8' is a nut I83 whereby the brake band 85 may be adjusted. This releasing lever 81 is positioned on the sleeve 5I adjacent the releasing lever 51 and the ends of the brake band 55 are connected at points above and below the pivot so that upon movement of the releasing lever 81 in an anti-clockwise direction this brake is released and frees the rotatable member 85 for rotation. A spring I85 is provided for exerting a. force tending to rotate the releasing lever 81 in a clockwise direction, thus tending to hold the brake band 85 applied at all times.

The braking construction for the rotatable members 58 and 85 may be identical in construction and are operated in precisely the same manner. The engageable projections 88 and 88 are positioned closely adjacent each other at the forward end of the arm rest 22 and therefore can be readily operated by the occupant of the chair who may depress either one of the engageable projections in order to enable the chair to be adjusted, as will be described after all of the details of construction have been described.

The back control means or operating means ako includes a back returning means or loading means which is in the form of a flexible cable I88 which is connected to the rotatable member 85 at I88, and which is also connected to a tension spring I III, the tension spring I I8 being connected within the side wall 2i as indicated at III. This construction exerts a force on the rotatable member 85 tending to rotate it in a clockwise diwhich is operatively associated not only with the control means but also with the seat structure and back structure.

This portion of my invention includes a chain H8 having links adapted for coengagement or meshing with the teeth of the sprockets 80, 81, and H2. As shown best in Fig. 1, the chain extends over the sprocket 88, under the sprocket 8i, and over the sprocket III. The chain II8 includes a downwardly extended portion Ill, the lower end of. which is secured by a connection member I28 to a flexible cable I2I which extends outwardly from the chamber 88 through an opening I22. As shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, the frame 21 of the seat 25 is provided with brackets I24 on opposite sides thereof and in vertical alignment with the downwardly extending portion IIII of the chain II8. Supported by the brackets I24 are sheaves I25 around which the flexible cable I2I extends. This flexible cable extends downwardly from the portion N8 of the chain II8 underneath the adjacent sheave I25, and extends horizontally below the frame 21 of the seat 25 and extends around the other of the sheaves I25, and then extends upwardly where it is secured by a connection member I21 to a downwardly extending arm I28, which arm I28 forms a part of a bell crank shaped connection member I28 secured in the right side wall 2I by means of a bolt I88. The flexible member enters the right side wall 2| through an opening I3I. It will be seen by this arrangement that the forward part of the seat structure 25 is supported in a cradle provided by the flexible cable I2I and the means to which the ends thereof are attached. In this way the seat structure is supported at opposite edges and when adjusted will move up and down without any unequal supporting or twisting of the structure. During this movement of the seat it swings or adjusts freely around the pivot shaft 23.

The other end of the chain H8 is in the form of a rearwardly extending portion I88 which is connected by a connection means I34 to a flexible cable I35 which extends from the chamber 39 through an opening I35. Secured to the opposite sides of the frame 3i of the back structure 25 are brackets I81 which support sheaves I38 around which the flexible cable I35 is extended. It will be seen that these sheaves I88 are positioned at the extreme edges of the frame 2| projecting outwardly therefrom so that the cable may freely extend from and into the side walls 2I. It will furthermore be noted that the sheaves I88 are supported to the front of the frame 3|, and that portion of the cable extending across the back structure is enclosed in a tube I40. A suitable recess is provided in the cushion 52 for receiving the tube I40. After extending around the sheave I38, the cable I55 extends forwardly in the right side wall 2| and is connected by means of a connection member I to an arm I42 oi the connecion member I28. In this manner the back is supported by a. cradle formed by the cable I35 from swinging backward or being retracted unless the cable I85 is adjusted. It is equally supported at the opposite edges at all times and the movement of the back will therefore be without any twisting or binding action.

For the purpose of limiting the movement of the adjusting means or connecting means my invention provides a tie means in the form of a tie cable I44, one end of which is connected at I45 to the frame parts 48 and 4i as shown in Fig. 1, and the other end of which is connected at I to the connection means ill which connects the end Ill of the chain 8 to the flexible cable I". The movement of the chain Ill and flexible cables III and Ill is limited in a rightward direction by the length of the tie cable I and is limited in a leftward direction by the connection means ill engaging abutment wall ill provided by the arms 44 of the frame parts 40 and II.

Having described the construction of the preferred form of my invention, I will now describe its operation and the manner in which an occupant may adjust the seat and back to a desired position.

In Figs. 10, 11. and 12 I have diagrammatically illustrated extreme positions of the seat and back structures. In Fig. 10 the seat structure 25 is in fully lowered position and the back structure 26 is in an extreme forward position. In Fig. 11 the seat structure is in fully raised position and the back structure is in an extreme rearward or retracted position. In Fig. 12 the seat structure is in a fully lowered position and the back structure is as far rearward as it will move with the seat structure in a lowered position.

Referring now particularly to Figs. 1, 4 to 7 inclusive, and 10 to 12 inclusive, the seat structure and back structure are operated as follows. It is preferable to adjust the seat and back structures when the occupant is sitting in the chair. He may then place his left hand on the left arm rest 22 and with his fingers depress either of the engagement projections I or 98, as desired, to adjust positions of the seat and back structures. To adjust the position of the seat structure 28 it is necessary to release the rotatable member Ill so that it is free to rotate and so that the chain H8 is longitudinally movable. This releasing is done by depressing the engagement projeetlon 68 which, as explained heretofore, releases the brake band from the brake drum 64. The spring I9 tends to rotate the rotatable member iii in such a direction as to tend to pull upwardly on the downwardly extending portion ll! of the chain III which tends to raise the flexible cable Ill and raise the seat structure 25. However, if the occupant has his entire weight on the seat structure 25 or on the forward portion thereof, the tension spring I! is not strong enough to raise the seat structure and the seat structure will be depressed. Therefore, it will be seen that if the occupant depresses the engagement projection 88 and places his weight on the seat structure 25, that the seat structure will move from the raised position shown in Fig. 11 to the lowered position shown in Fig. 12. When the rotatable member or sprocket 6| is released for rotation and the seat structure moves from a raised position into a lowered position, the chain H8 has a longitudinal traveling movement. The rotatable member I rotates, the rotatable member or sprocket 81 rotates about a fixed axis, and the idler member or sprocket ill rotates, and the chain therefore moves in such a direction that the rearwardly extending end III thereof moves in a forward direction. When this movement occurs the flexible cable III is pulled forwardly at the end associated with the chain 8, and therefore the back structure 26 is moved forwardly from the extreme rearward or retracted position as shown in Fig. 11 to the extreme forward or advanced position as shown in Fig. 12. In making the adjustment just described, in actual practice it is found to be most conveniently areas-1r made by the occupant sitting in the chair with his two feet on the floor depressing the engagement projection O! and then shifting his weight slightly forward, such as by leaning forward, so that the weight is released from the back 26 and shifted forwardly to the forward portion of the seat structure II. As the weight is shifted forwardly it is applied to the seat structure and controlled by the occupant who may place all or a part of his weight on the seat structure or may support all or a part of the weight through the legs and feet which are on the floor. In this way it is possible for the occupant to fully lower the seat or to move it into an intermediate position. When the seat has been moved into the position in which the occupant wants it, he then releases the engagement projection I which applies the brake band 85 and thus locks the rotatable member 88 from rotation. This locks the seat 25 in the position in which it has been placed.

When the occupant desires to raise the seat structure from a lowered position, such as shown in Fig. 12, into a fully raised position as shown in Fig. 11, or a partLv raised position, he does this by an opposite shifting of the weight. He places his back against the back structure 26 and shifts his weight against it. He then depresses the engagement projection 68 which releases the rotatable member ill and allows the chain 8 to travel longitudinally rearwardly. The force applied to the back is transferred through the flexible cable III, the chain H8, and the flexible cable III to the seat structure, and the seat structure is raised.

Having adjusted the seat structure to the desired position, the occupant may then adjust the back structure as desired. This is done by depressing the engageable projection 98 which releases the brake 9i and the brake drum 94 and permits the rotatable member 85 to rotate. This allows the bodily movable member or sprocket 81 to move bodily. In the form of my invention illustrated herein the body movement of the sprocket 81 is concentrically around the axis of the supporting sleeve .1 on which the control parts are mounted. The spring H0 tends to rotate the rotatable member I! in a clockwise direction. In other words, it tends to move the bodily movable member 81 in a downward direction, or if it is in an extreme downward position to retain it in that position. As is clear from a comparison of Figs. and 12, the action which occurs is to shorten the effective length of the chain H8, and since the end H9 is in a fixed position due to the fact that the sprocket B0 is locked, the result is a pulling of the end I33 in a forward direction. In Fig. 12 the back is in a retracted position and the portion of the chain extending rearwardly from the sprocket 60 is straight. When the engageable projection 98 is engaged, to release the brake band 95 the spring llll is free to move the rotatable member 85 in a clockwise direction and the bodily movable memberor sprocket ll is then moved from the position shown in Fig. 12 into a fully lowered position as shown in Fig. 10. When this occurs a decided shortening of the chain H8 occurs, since the chain must travel downwardly around the sprocket I1 and then upwardly around the idler sprocket 2. This is effective in moving the back structure 28 into an extreme forward position. However, when the occupant is adjusting the back structure he places his weight against the back structure, depresses the engageable projection 88, and then gradually moves his own back forwardly to the desired position. The tensidn spring HO, as explained heretofore, pulls the back structure forwardly so that it follows the occupants back, and when a suitable position has been reached the occupant then releases the engageable projection Oil and the back structure is then looked in the desired position.

By the means and in the manner described the back and seat structure may be moved into any position between the extreme raised and lowered or forward or rearward positions, and by suitably operating the means provided the relative positions may be changed as desired.

In the preferred form of my invention I have provided a spring I! which I employ as a counterbalance means for the weight of the seat structure and I provide for 0. raising of the seat by the occupant placing his weight against the back structure. However, by increasing the strength oi the spring 1!, the spring I9 may be utilized for raising the seat structure independently of any weight being applied to the back structure 26. Likewise, I have shown the parts in such an arrangement that whenever the seat structure is adjusted the back structure is also moved and the back structure is independently adjustable. It is, of course, readily apparent that the scat structure can be made adjustable whenever the back structure is adjusted, with the seat structure independently adjustable. For example, the back member may be associated through the adjustment means with the rotatable member, and the seat member may become associated with the movable member through the adjustment member.

From the foregoing detailed description of the preferred form of my invention and its method 0! operation, the various features, advantages, and objects of my invention are readily apparent. The construction which I have chosen to illustrate my invention is not the only form in which my invention may be embodied. My invention resides in a new principle of operation and combination of elements which may be embodied either in whole or in part in various other structural elements which, although being of difl'erent appearance and detail, still incorporate the features and principle 01' my invention. Recognizing this to be a fact and further recognizing that it is only necessary to disclose a preferred form or my invention, I have illustrated but a single form of my invention and intend that various modifications and alterations of my invention coming within the principle and scope thereof shall be encompassed by the appended claims which I intend to be broadly construed to cover the principle of 'my invention in its entirety. its several subcombinatlons, and several unique elements which are involved therein.

I claim as my invention:

1. In an adjustable chair construction, the combination 0!: an adjustable seat structure, which may be moved between raised and lowered positions; an adjustable back structure which may be moved between advanced and retracted positions; supporting means for said structures; an adjustment means connected to said structures. which is movable as a whole to effect simultaneous movement of both of said structures; releasable holding means to hold said adjustment means from movement as a whole; and operating means operatively connected with said adjustment means for so operating same as to move one oi said structures.

2. In an adjustable chair construction, the combination oi: an adjustable seat structure, which may be moved between raised and lowered positions; an adjustable back structure which may be moved between advanced and retracted positions; supporting means for said structures: a linear adjustment means connected to said structures, which is movable as a whole to eiiect simultaneous movement of both said structures; releasable holding means to hold said adjustment means from movement as a whole; and operating means operatively connected with said adjustment means for shortening the efl'ective length of a portion of said adjustment means so as to move one of said structures.

3. In an adjustable chair construction. the combination of: an adjustable seat structure, which may be moved between raised and lowered positions; an adjustable back structure which may be moved between advanced and retracted positions; supporting means for said structures; an adjustment means connected to said structures, which is movable as a whole to efl'ect simultaneous movement of both 01' said structures; releasable holding means to hold said adjustment means from movement as a whole; and back structure adjustment means operatively connected with said adjustment means between said holding means and said back structure for so operating same as to move one of said structures.

4. In an adjustable chair, the combination of: an adjustable seat; an adjustable back; adjustment means for said seat and said back; a rotatable member around which said adjustment means extends; a bodily movable member engageable by said adjustment means; means tending to move said bodily movable member in a direction to shorten the eilective length of said adjustment means; locking means tor locking said rotatable member from rotation, and said bodily movable member from bodily movement; and supporting means for supporting the aforesaid elements in their proper operative relationship.

5. In an adjustable chair, the combination 0!: an adjustable seat; an adjustable back; adjustment means for said seat and said back: seat control means including a rotatable member engageable with said adjustment means, and releasable locking means whereby said rotatable member is free to rotate to permit movement of both said seat and said back; back control means including a bodily movable member engageable with said adjustment means, and movable in a direction to cause said adjustment means to move said back independently 01' said seat, and releasable locking means for said bodily movable member; and supporting means for supporting the aforesaid elements in their proper operative relationship.

6. In an adjustable chair, the combination of: an adjustable seat; an adjustable back; adjustment means for said seat and said back; seat control means including a rotatable member engageable with said adjustment means, and releasable locking means whereby said rotatable member is free to rotate to permit movement of both said seat and said back; back control means including a bodily movable member movable around the axis of said rotatable member engageable with said adjustment means, and movable in a direction to cause said adjustment means to move said back independently of said seat, and releasable locking means for said bodily movable member; and supporting means for supporting the storesaid elements in their proper operative relationship.

I. In an adjustable chair, the combination of: an adjustable seat structure; an adjustable back structure; adjustment means for said seat structure and said back structure; control means including a rotatable member enzszeable with said adjustment means, and releasable locking means whereby said rotatable member is free to rotate to permit movement oi both said seat structure and said back structure; control means includlns a bodily movable member ensageable with said adjustment means, and movable in a direction to cause said adjustment means to move one of said structures independently of the other of said structures. and releasable locking means (or said bodily movable member; and supporting means for supporting the aforesaid elements in their proper operative relationship.

8. In an adjustable chair. the combination of: an adjustable seat structure: an adjustable back stnictm'e: supporting means for said structures: an adjustment means operatively connected to said structures and operable as a whole to enable said structures to be simultaneously adjusted; holding means for holding said adjustment means; and operating means for operating a part oi said adjustment means whereby one of said structures may be operated independently oi the other 01' said structures.

9. In an adjustable chair. the 0!: an adjustable seat structure; an adjustable back structure; supporting means tor said structures; a flexible lined adjustment means operatlvely connected to said structures and movable as a whole to enable simultaneous adjustment of said structures; holding means for said adjustment means; and operating means for varying a portion oi the eilectlve length of said adjustment means whereby the positions of said structures may be changed relative to each other.

O'I'IO FRED OPPERMAN.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

Patent No. 2, 153,1;71.

October 18, 1938.

OTTO FRED OPPERMAN.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 6, second column, line 13, claim 9, for the word "lined" read lineal; and that the said Letters Patent shouldbe read with this correction therein that the same ma conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 13th day of December, A. D. 1938.

(Seal) Henry Van Arsdale I Acting Commissioner of Patents.

said elements in their proper operative relationship.

I. In an adjustable chair, the combination of: an adjustable seat structure; an adjustable back structure; adjustment means for said seat structure and said back structure; control means including a rotatable member enzszeable with said adjustment means, and releasable locking means whereby said rotatable member is free to rotate to permit movement oi both said seat structure and said back structure; control means includlns a bodily movable member ensageable with said adjustment means, and movable in a direction to cause said adjustment means to move one of said structures independently of the other of said structures. and releasable locking means (or said bodily movable member; and supporting means for supporting the aforesaid elements in their proper operative relationship.

8. In an adjustable chair. the combination of: an adjustable seat structure: an adjustable back stnictm'e: supporting means for said structures: an adjustment means operatively connected to said structures and operable as a whole to enable said structures to be simultaneously adjusted; holding means for holding said adjustment means; and operating means for operating a part oi said adjustment means whereby one of said structures may be operated independently oi the other 01' said structures.

9. In an adjustable chair. the combination 0!: an adjustable seat structure; an adjustable back structure; supporting means tor said structures; a flexible lined adjustment means operatlvely connected to said structures and movable as a whole to enable simultaneous adjustment of said structures; holding means for said adjustment means; and operating means for varying a portion oi the eilectlve length of said adjustment means whereby the positions of said structures may be changed relative to each other.

O'I'IO FRED OP'PERMAN.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

Patent No. 2, 153,1;71.

October 18, 1938.

OTTO FRED OPPERMAN.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 6, second column, line 13, claim 9, for the word "lined" read lineal; and that the said Letters Patent shouldbe read with this correction therein that the same ma conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 13th day of December, A. D. 1938.

(Seal) Henry Van Arsdale I Acting Commissioner of Patents. 

